ZIMU and Intwasa Arts Festival to host industry conference

The event, set to take place at The Bulawayo Club, will focus on challenges facing women and marginalised groups in the music and arts sectors. It will feature panel discussions, workshops, and keynote addresses centred on issues such as representation in leadership, workplace harassment, caregiving responsibilities, and support networks.

ZIMU President Edith Katiji said the initiative sought to encourage inclusivity in the industry. “The music industry has the power to shape culture and society, and it is our responsibility to ensure that it is inclusive and equitable for all,” she said.

The programme will conclude with a performance under the Women Wine and Words banner, featuring artists including Lioness Gwenyambira, Rute Mbangwa, Tina Watyoka, Vuyo Brown, and Um’Africakazi. The showcase is intended to highlight women’s contributions to music and provide a platform for female voices in the sector.

The conference is expected to draw artists, activists, and industry stakeholders to exchange ideas and develop strategies for promoting gender equality in Zimbabwe’s creative industries.

Founded to represent the interests of musicians across Zimbabwe, ZIMU advocates for improved working conditions, fair compensation and stronger copyright protection. The union has also been vocal in addressing issues of gender equity, seeking to create opportunities for women and younger musicians in a male-dominated sector.

In recent years, ZIMU has partnered with local and international organisations to strengthen professional development for artists, while also lobbying for policies that protect musicians’ rights. The collaboration with Intwasa marks one of its most significant gender-focused initiatives to date, reflecting a wider trend in the country’s creative industries to push for inclusivity and diversity.